Newport Beach fishing in the 1940s

From some of these pictures, fishing looks like it was much more popular in the 1940s than it is now–look at the pier covered with fishermen!

Ocean Pier at Newport Beach, c. 1944

“Built after the disastrous tropical storm of 1939, the new municipal pier is Southern California’s most famous fishing pier. During the storm, many small craft were destroyed, and a number of people drowned” (Jeff Delaney, Newport Beach).

Open Air Fish Market on Ocean Front, Newport Beach, c. 1944

“Dory fisherman work at night, delivering their catch as the sun rises” (Jeff Delaney, Newport Beach). You can still buy fish from near the pier, at the Dory Fishing Fleet Market–if you do go, show up early; they sell out fast!

Fish Market, Newport Beach, c. 1943

The start of the fishing market! “In the 1890s, the fishermen’s wives began selling each day’s catch in booths set up beneath the Newport Pier” (Jeff Delaney, Newport Beach).

Landing Dory, Newport, c. 1940

According to Jeff, “Dory fishermen were beached for the duration of World War II. Fishermen remained active on both piers, commercial fishing vessels, and from the surf.”

All information and photos are from Jeff Delaney’s book, Newport Beach.